Machu Pichchu

Here are some lesser-known facts about Machu Picchu:

  1. Name Origins: While "Machu Picchu" is the common name, its original name is believed to be "Llaqtapata," which means "City on the Hill." The name "Machu Picchu" likely refers to the mountain that overlooks the site.

  2. Astronomical Alignment: The Intihuatana stone, often associated with astronomy, is positioned in such a way that during the equinoxes, the sun casts no shadow, indicating the exact moment when day and night are nearly equal.

  3. Coca Leaves Significance: The Incas considered coca leaves sacred and used them in rituals. It's believed that coca leaves were chewed by priests and important individuals during ceremonies at Machu Picchu.

  4. Llama-shaped City: Some researchers suggest that the layout of Machu Picchu mirrors the shape of a llama, a sacred animal in Inca culture. The city's various sectors align with the body parts of a llama.

  5. Temple of the Moon: While Machu Picchu itself is impressive, there's also a lesser-known structure called the "Temple of the Moon." This cave-like temple is carved into a rock face and features intricate stonework.

  6. Suspension Bridge: To reach Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail once featured a suspension bridge made of woven grasses. This bridge was removed by the Spanish during their conquest.

  7. Rare Orchids: The region around Machu Picchu is home to a variety of unique and rare orchid species. In fact, over 200 species of orchids have been identified in the area.

  8. Aqueduct System: The Incas built a complex system of aqueducts and water channels to supply water to various parts of the site. These channels still function in some areas, showcasing the engineering skills of the time.

  9. Solely Female Skeletons: In one of the burial sites at Machu Picchu, researchers discovered a group of skeletons, all of which were initially identified as female. This led to speculation about the site's function and inhabitants.

  10. Limited Population: Despite its grandeur, Machu Picchu was not a densely populated city. Estimates suggest that it housed around 300 to 1,000 inhabitants at its peak.

  11. Altitude Farming Innovation: The Incas practiced innovative farming techniques to adapt to the high-altitude environment. They used a method called "frost-resistant farming" to cultivate crops in terraces.

  12. Inca Secret Code: The Incas used a system of knotted strings called "quipus" for record-keeping. Some believe that certain features of Machu Picchu might have encoded information through their layout.

These lesser-known facts shed light on the intriguing mysteries and unique aspects of Machu Picchu, making it an even more captivating destination for exploration and discovery.

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